Fresh Spinach Recipes: Ideas Beyond Quiche & Spanakopita

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various creative uses for fresh spinach beyond traditional dishes like quiche and spanakopita. Participants share their personal experiences and recipes, highlighting different cooking methods and combinations that incorporate spinach.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions using fresh spinach instead of lettuce in tacos.
  • Another participant shares their experience of blending spinach with banana and water for a breakfast drink, although they express skepticism about its taste.
  • One participant enjoys sautéing spinach with mushrooms and layering it with chicken and mozzarella cheese.
  • Another participant makes cream spinach as a side dish or incorporates it into arborio rice and suggests spinach calzones.
  • One participant describes a recipe for Eggplant Rollatini that includes spinach, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce.
  • Another participant shares a recipe for Spinach Crescent Rolls, detailing the ingredients and preparation method.
  • One participant mentions making Grecian party squares, noting the heat as a factor for not wanting to use the oven.
  • Several participants discuss their children's preferences for cooked versus raw spinach, sharing humorous anecdotes about their kids' eating habits.
  • One participant suggests grilling salmon topped with spinach and a creamy sauce, noting its appeal even to those who typically dislike salmon.
  • Another participant highlights Cheese Spinach Pinwheels as a favorite snack for their children.
  • One participant mentions making pesto with spinach as an alternative to basil, noting it can be frozen for later use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best ways to prepare and enjoy spinach, with no clear consensus on a single preferred method or recipe.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of personal recipes and cooking experiences, reflecting diverse culinary preferences and family dynamics regarding spinach consumption.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for innovative ways to incorporate fresh spinach into meals may find the shared recipes and experiences helpful.

C
ChefBeckyD
Gold Member
Messages
20,320
I have a huge container of fresh organic baby spinach that I want to use up - Any one have ideas for fresh spinach?I've thought of spinach quiche or Spanakopita....but I'd love new ideas!Oh - and I didn't want a Spinach Salad - DS only likes cooked spinach....
 
My sister uses fresh spinach instead of lettuce in tacos.I saw an ad on TV for a show on Bravo with a "Big Green Shake:" blend a large handful of spinach with 1 banana and a little water for a nutritious breakfast drink. (Although I think this would be nasty. And as far as I'm concerned, if something is called a shake, it needs to have ice cream in it, otherwise it's a smoothie.)
 
I like to saute it with mushrooms

Then layer it, chicken, mozzerella cheese, and top with spinach and mushrooms. YUM!
 
I like to make cream spinach as a side dish or inside arborio rice. Also you could make spinach calzones.
 
I get Eggplant Rollatini at my neighborhood Italian restaurant all the time. It is so yummy and looks to be easily made. I don't know the exact ingredients and amounts, but basically this is it:

Slice eggplant fairly thin. Then bread it with flour, eggwash, bread crumb mixture (probably bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, s&p). Saute these. Then put a tablespoon or more of Ricotta cheese (maybe mix in an egg and some seasoning) and a handfull of fresh spinach on top of the eggplant and roll it up. Place these in a baking dish. Cover with some sauce and mozzarella cheese and bake until warm.

This is really good!
 
My favorite is one from way back called Spinach Crescent Rolls.

Take a can of crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
In a bowl combine chopped spinach (typically a 10-oz pkg of the frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry), 1 c. shredded mozzarella, 1 egg, 1 t. garlic powder, 1/2 c. chopped onion and S&P.
Place a couple tablespoons of mixture on large portion of triangles.
Roll each up by folding the pointed end over the larger end and tuck under. (filling will be visible)
Place in a round cake pan and top with more mozzarella cheese.
Bake at 350 for approx 12-15 min. Enjoy!
 
i have been making the Grecian party squares from summer's best 2001 on the first page. I can post a pdf file later if any one is interested. very yummy. With all of this heat, not a good time to turn the over on though...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Mr. Pampered Chef said:
i have been making the Grecian party squares from summer's best 2001 on the first page. I can post a pdf file later if any one is interested. very yummy. With all of this heat, not a good time to turn the over on though...
Click to expand...

Ohhh, those are good though! yummy!


Hmmm, that makes me think...I think Janet made the Greek Cheese Torta into a pasta topping.....maybe I could use some of the spinach for that.....
 
DS only likes cooked spinach....
Click to expand...
Becky I thought this was hilarious, my ds will only eat raw spinach in salad. I steamed mine last night w/ garlic, butter, herbs, minced onions and bits of bacon, and he asked for a salad.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
pamperedalf said:
Becky I thought this was hilarious, my ds will only eat raw spinach in salad. I steamed mine last night w/ garlic, butter, herbs, minced onions and bits of bacon, and he asked for a salad.
Click to expand...


Mmmmm, that sounds good!

And that is funny! When I make spinach salads - DS wants creamed spinach. He has always loved creamed spinach from the time he started eating vegetables. It was his absolute favorite as a baby.

He pretty much won't eat leafy greens in general...when we have other types of salads, I slice salad veggies for him, and put them on a plate with one of the SA minis with Ranch dressing. He loves to dip carrots, cukes, tomatoes, celery, broccoli,.....
 
grill or broil some salmon (seasoned with a cajun spice) top it with some raw spinach cover with a sauce of jack cheese, a little whipping cream and some cayenne and garlic bake until bubbly
 
The strawberry spinach salad is so yummy :)
 
Teresa Lynn said:
grill or broil some salmon (seasoned with a cajun spice) top it with some raw spinach cover with a sauce of jack cheese, a little whipping cream and some cayenne and garlic bake until bubbly
Click to expand...
OMG does this sound yummy or what...:D
 
it is yummy I also throw a dash or two of tabasco in it
my daughter hates salmon but she will eat this right up
 
The Cheese Spinach Pinwheels are a favorite of my crew! My kids really LOVE these as an afterschool snack. I have to sneak 1 or 2 before they notice because my 2 boys could finish the whole pan by themselves.

The recipe is on CC. It was a theme recipe in '03 I think.

You could also make Chicken Florentine.
 
You can make pesto with spinach instead of basil. A great way to use up a ton of spinach. Plus you can freeze the pesto for later.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy fresh spinach recipes that aren't quiche or spanakopita?

There are many delicious options for using fresh spinach beyond quiche and spanakopita. Consider making a spinach salad with fruits and nuts, a creamy spinach dip, or sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil. You can also incorporate spinach into pasta dishes, smoothies, or as a topping for pizzas.

How can I incorporate fresh spinach into my breakfast meals?

Fresh spinach can be a great addition to breakfast dishes. Try adding it to scrambled eggs or omelets for a nutritious boost. You can also blend spinach into smoothies or use it in breakfast burritos with other vegetables and proteins. Another idea is to make a spinach and feta breakfast wrap.

What are some healthy ways to prepare fresh spinach?

Healthy ways to prepare fresh spinach include steaming, sautéing, or using it raw in salads. Steaming preserves its nutrients, while sautéing with a little olive oil and garlic enhances its flavor. You can also add fresh spinach to soups or stir-fries for added nutrition without compromising taste.

Can fresh spinach be frozen for later use?

Yes, fresh spinach can be frozen for later use. To freeze spinach, wash and blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then cool it in ice water. Drain and pack it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen spinach can be used in soups, stews, and casseroles.

What are some creative ways to use fresh spinach in appetizers?

Fresh spinach can be used in a variety of appetizers. Consider making spinach and artichoke dip, spinach stuffed mushrooms, or spinach pinwheels with cream cheese and herbs. You can also create spinach and cheese pastries or serve fresh spinach with a variety of dips for a healthy snack platter.

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